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blog, blog writing, blogging, blogging for business

5 More Common Blogging Mistakes You Could Be Making

1. Not planning ahead – This is among the most common blogging mistakes. It helps to keep a log or a calendar of upcoming blog post topics for a month or more ahead. That way, once you know what to write about, you’ll spend less time procrastinating and more time writing.

2. Not writing ahead of time -If you’re going to keep blogging, it helps to write at least a few posts well before you publish them as a buffer so that you’ll have something ready to post later. It’s sometimes easier to work with content you have rather than just writing a post whenever you feel like it.

3. Not using enough headings – Headings break up large blocks of text, especially in posts longer than 500 words. Ideally, as some experts suggest, your heading will include a benefit to entice the reader (example: “How to Earn More Money With Your Widget”); you can also write with search engines in mind. Some people like to write the headings as questions.

4. Not simplifying words – Generally, if you’re writing for others in your field (such as a lawyer writing an article for a legal journal), it’s more OK to use appropriate industry jargon than it is if you’re writing for consumers. So, use your thesaurus regularly and stick to one-syllable words. There.

5. Not shortening your sentences – It’s usually best to keep your sentences at 16 words or fewer for better reading comprehension.

Want more insights? Read the 5 Common Blogging Mistakes You Could Be Making.

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Quotes

“The biggest blogging mistake I made in the beginning was focusing too much on my own blog.” ~ Ashley Faulkes

“New bloggers need to avoid the copycat syndrome. If you only copy whatever everyone else is doing, what value are you really providing others?” ~ Jason Quey

Comments? Suggestions? Need help with your blog? Feel free to contact me.

Michelle Troutman
classywriting.com

blog, blog writing, blogging, blogging for business, business blogging, writing advice

5 Steps to Write a Blog Post From Start to Finish

1. Brainstorm. To write a blog post, find a topic interesting to your target market through surveying customers or analyzing data, such as keywords they search for. Competing websites can also spark some inspiration. If you want higher page rankings through Search Engine Optimization (SEO), research keywords with Google Ads or other tools and questions people ask. Add those words or phrases to the title and subheadings or to the content, as relevant.

2. Research and outline. Research can help you narrow down the topic of your post. Outline, or have a rough idea of what you will write about. Lists are another, easier form of outlining. For non-list posts of 800-1,000 or fewer words, cover two to four main points. For example, a post about how to get a home ready to sell could include advice on pricing the property and making it appealing to buyers (cleaning it, clear photographs, etc.).

3. Write. When you write a blog post, start with the most interesting parts of the topic. Lead into the body of your topic and reach your conclusion. You can write a call-to-action in the middle (better for longer pieces) and at the end to promote products or services, or ask readers what they think of the topic to generate comments. HubSpot offers some blog post templates for inspiration. Add appropriate keywords at or near the top and linking back to any of your existing articles on or related to the topic to enhance SEO.

4. Make a headline. After you’ve written the article is a great time to create your title; if you’ll use SEO, remember to include your keywords. Adding a benefit can also increase interest. Titles for lists tend to be easier to write.

Example: 7 Little Known Tricks for Increasing Pay-Per-Click Leads

5. Edit, proofread, and compile. To save time, run your piece through spell-check first, then the Hemingway App. Then triple-check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation on-screen and printed out. Read it aloud. Have someone else look at it, too. Add a relevant photo for greater visual appeal and check the overall format to see if it’s easy to scan. Also, before you publish, check facts and any links, that you included any SEO keywords, and that all is correct. And ensure that you’re not making these common blogging mistakes.

The Classy Writing Blog

How I Write a Great Blog Post for a Client

“Not sure how to write a great blog post? A great blog post should answer any questions your reader has while it informs and entertains him or her….” Read more.

Quotes

“The first thing you need to decide when you build your blog is what you want to accomplish with it, and what it can do if successful.” ~ Ron Dawson

“Don’t try to plan everything out to the very last detail. I’m a big believer in just getting it out there: create a minimal viable product or website, launch it, and get feedback.” ~ Neil Patel

Comments? Suggestions? Need help? Feel free to contact me.

Michelle Troutman
classywriting.com

blog, blog writing, blogging, blogging for business, business blogging

How I Write a Great Blog Post for a Client

Not sure how to write a great blog post? A great blog post should answer your reader’s questions while it informs and entertains him or her. Here’s how I create informational blogs for my clients.

A woman with her hands at a keyboard, showing how to write a great blog post.

1. Planning: I work with my clients to develop blog post topics — with any keywords — and outlines. The outline may be based on their keywords, topic and goals for the post, and their target audience’s needs and wants. I often like to go through the outline with the client or email them one for approval before I start writing.

If a client needs keywords, with my Search Engine Optimization (SEO) experience, I can provide the best keywords on the topic for pay-per-click advertisements and higher organic search engine rankings (results without help from ads). I also usually research questions people ask and competing websites to see what has already been covered.

2. Writing: I can write a great blog post with fresh, attention-getting content before deadline using my imagination rather than artificial intelligence. It will also have an enticing headline — or a series of headlines — the client can choose from. If necessary, I create subheadings to engage readers throughout the post and credit sources. I may also include any links to content of the client’s choice, and public domain or copyright-free images. Social media blurbs to promote the post are another option.

3. Rewriting: I’ll edit and proofread or do a copywriting “makeover” to polish the post before I send a final draft. This also includes checking any links and/or facts. I’m flexible enough that if the client prefers, they can write the piece and I’ll rewrite and do fact and/or link checking.

4. Final draft: I’ll email my draft for the client’s approval. Afterward, I offer two rounds of revision free if they’re requested within 30 days or less, based on the original copy. Upon approval, I’ll send my invoice. And, if the client is happy with my work, I can write a series of posts at a discount for a fixed monthly fee.

For more info, see my blog post packages.

blog writing, blogging, blogging for business, business blogging, Uncategorized

Good Blog Examples: Professional Services Firms

In my Web travels, I see some great and a lot of not-so-great blogs. These are some good blog examples by professional services firms (law, insurance, coaching, etc.).

DISCLAIMER: I’m not affiliated with any of these sites. I like their content, and present it for educational purposes only.

1. Johnson Webbert & Young, LLP Attorneys & Counselors at Law: johnsonwebbert.com/news/
I’m biased — because they featured a real Maine legal case about how the lack of an “Oxford” or serial comma in an overtime policy resulted in a “win” for Oakhurst Dairy drivers ups their “greatness” quotient. And they included a link to a comma quiz in that article. No call to action for legal matters as a result of run-ins with the grammar police, though. But, I really like the interesting tidbits about legal cases, the news items, and the opinions from lawyers about cases, which can be entertaining (another favorite post is “Will Robots Take Your Job?“).

2. Richard Brothers Financial: richardbrothersfinancial.com/blog/
These well-written blog posts cover timely topics for investors and people who need financial advice. Articles about the recently passed Tax Cuts and Job Act and the Equifax data breach in 2017 offer sound advice to readers. The posts are well-formatted for easy reading, with calls to action to entice clicks for incentives at the end. This type of “classic” or traditional blog never goes out of style.

3. Noyes, Hall & Allen Insurance: noyeshallallen.com/blog/
This blog covers relevant, appropriate, and timely topics of interest to insurance customers. Topics tied to trends are crucial for online searches. The posts answer questions customers probably have or could have asked, which helps engage them and to speak their language. They’re short, educational, and get to the heart of their subject matter, with the right balance of information, education, and substance for engagement, subtle sales strategies for success.

4. The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein: joebornstein.com/blog/
This accident and disability law firm posts interesting, informative monthly advice on related topics, which include winter weather accidents in Maine, trends in increases in car accidents and pedestrian fatalities, and Halloween safety tips. They’re enjoyable reading, with lead sentences written with personality. Check it out — you just might learn something new.

5. Lean East: leaneast.com/#ht-blog-section
These experts in Lean Six Sigma and other ways to eliminate waste in operating processes coach organizations on how to improve their effectiveness. The posts aren’t letter-perfect, but they offer good advice presented in an interesting way with helpful examples. They truly show the value of their work to potential clients.

Need help with your blog? Read my free ebook for some pointers: “5 Common Online Content Problems — Solved!”

What do you think?

blog, blog writing, blogging, blogging for business, writing advice

5 Common Blogging Mistakes You Could Be Making

1. No “calls-to-action” – This is one of the most common blogging mistakes I see. And it’s easy to avoid. If you sell a product or a service, include a plug to contact you for help or a link for more information. It doesn’t always have to be at the end, either.

2. A boring title – The headline is usually the first thing your readers will see. Ideally, it’s short and spicy while it hints at the topic covered.

Example: “Things to Do in L.A.”
Revised: “8 Ways to Have Fun in L.A. for Less Than $200”

3. Not asking readers to comment – Besides reading (and writing) blog posts, I enjoy readers’ comments about them. Some posts don’t end with questions to encourage replies. Ask readers what they think, how they could do it better, or any number of questions that can’t be answered with a “yes” or a “no.” It helps build a sense of community.

4. A lackluster opening – Write an opening sentence that will entice people to read the entire piece. It doesn’t have to be terribly original — you don’t have to set the bar high — but, at least make it a true statement. Or open with a question. Surprise us a little.

Example: “Maine drivers are familiar with hazardous weather conditions.”
Revised: “Winter is no stranger to the 207. Raise your hand if you passed your driver’s test in a Nor’easter.” (The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein blog)

5. No subheadings – I like subheadings in posts longer than 600 words. They make the rest of the text easier on the eyes and add to the overall flow.

Read 5 More Blogging Mistakes You Could Be Making.

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The Classy Writing Blog

Good Blog Examples: Professional Services Firms

“In my Web travels, I see some great and a lot of not-so-great blogs….” Read more.

Quotes

“Don’t focus on having a great blog. Focus on producing a blog that’s great for your readers.” ~ Brian Clark, Copyblogger.com

“For bloggers, the deadline is always now. Blogging is therefore to writing what extreme sports are to athletics: more free-form, more accident-prone, less formal, more alive. It is, in many ways, writing out loud.” ~ Andrew Sullivan, “Why I Blog,” The Atlantic

Comments? Suggestions? Need help? Feel free to contact me.

Michelle Troutman
Classy Writing
207.332.8379
classywriting.com